As much as we love high-end fashion, sometimes (really most of the time) we just can't afford it. Lemme here a "hell yeah college loans!" We gals at Threads and Shreds know it's tough, and we also believe you don't always have to spend big bucks to looks like your chic-self. In fact affordability has always been something we keep in mind when we run our own shop! So here we are bringing you some awesome finds, all under $30. Keep checking back for different themes for less!

This week: Tights

Dress up and make funky the otherwise plain and boring with some cool printed tights. Show off those legs with the ever-trendy fall booties and rock a solid color blazer for a bit of badass prep!

1. The Escher Tights, $14.99 @ ModCloth
2. Tuscan Floral Tight, $14.00 @ Urban Outfitters
3. Sheer Opaque Diamond Fullfoot Tight, $14.00 @ Urban Outfitters
4. Indigo Peacock Feather Tights, $29.99 @ ModCloth

Did you finally break out your scarves and cardigans for the brisk kisses of autumn nips? All through last week, the midday mercury would betray our cold weather mindset. Enough of the mid-60s nonsense, let autumn be autumn! Wellllll, New York City weather finally dipped to 50°F today, so I got my wish and here are some weather-appropriate inspirations for you, from blazers to fun layering. (See our vintage blazer here.) I realize the jump photo isn't autumn-y BUT those are the super sold-out Acne wedges that convince me that $480 can buy happiness.

Featured Looks (Left to Right)
1. Autumn Reflections (from Wayne Tippetts, my fave street style blog right now)
2. A Look From Paris Fashion Week SS2010
3. Another Chic Look from Paris FW
4. Portland Place

Some mellow music for your end of the week: the much buzzed-about Girls, The XX, Pains of Being Pure At Heart (check out Peggy's interview with Interpol; she was the fashion correspondent for New York Noise, a show on municipal TV here), and an oldie (but goodie) Slowdive.

Being in a business school, I am accustomed to seeing people in suits every day. Talk about stuffy! Of course we all want to look organized, smart, and put together... but we want to dress to be comfortable and we want our clothes to reflect our (awesome) personalities. Three words: the boyfriend blazer. Loose enough to not feel restricted in it but not too baggy as to look like a bag lady. I am especially loving the Silence & Noise boyfriend blazer from Urban Outfitters (I have it in black) and the satin boyfriend blazer by Aqua. See? You can be srs biznezz and be stylish at the same time! Check out our vintage blazers here: 1 & 2.

(Warning: Do not actually wear your boyfriend's blazer. You will look like a fool/bag lady. Unless your boyfriend is only slightly bigger than you... then I say save yourself some cash and raid his closet!)

Featured looks:

1. The Boyfriend Blazer by Zoa

2. Silence & Noise Boyfriend Blazer

3. Satin Boyfriend Blazer by Aqua

4. Moltisanti Blazer

Clickity Click.

To say that Alexander McQueen rocks is a great understatement. How can I even begin to describe his latest masterpiece of a collection? Those shoes! That make-up! Those digital prints! This Spring/Summer 2010 collection has a lot to digest and a lot to draw inspiration from.

Anyway, I forgot to put up some songs for my last post, so I'll insert one here. I have just seen three of these bands (kind of) during the WFMU Fest in Brooklyn, which I was photographing for The Fader. Pissed Jeans, on the venerable label Sub Pop, is friggin amazing live. Talk Normal is a promising new local band. Lydia Lunch is still as badass as ever. I'm throwing in a track by Zola Jesus, a.k.a. Nika Roza Danilova, another prolific young musician who I want to be BFFs with.

Ba-da-da-da-daaaa, I'm lovin' it. Not so much the Big Macs, but the fierce heels and slouchy look. Comfort and style to make yourself look effortlessly chic. Try mixing in a slouchy top here or a slouchy dress there. Lazy? I beg to differ. Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Featured Looks (Left to Right)

Kristin Gallegos, NYC

Elizabeth Ammerman, NYC

Lisa Myers, Williamsburg Brooklyn

Amelia Dunbar, Outside Bedford Cheese